It would certainly have been easy for 43-year-old Cheryl Campbell to take the easy way out, and as a single mother of three live, like some others do, on benefits. This kind of dependancy was not for Cheryl, and that's why, after many trials and tribulations, she won bronze in the national Barclays Trading Place Awards, which celebrate entrepreneurs who succeed against the odds.

That is a major achievement for a woman who even put off an essential operation for breast cancer to take qualification exams which would enable her to set up business as a footcare specialist. After the op and courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Cheryl's "can do" attitude saw her shrugging off her personal problems and forging ahead with her plans.

Deservedly, the Crowland mum's achievement was applauded at a black tie ceremony in London. She is a great example of someone defying cancer and never letting go of hope.

Council keeps up with current issues
AFTER buying an electric bike, the city council is exploring further ways of providing greener transport for its staff. The authority has been running some of its fleet on "green" fuel, and now plans a trial of two electric vehicles.

Already there have been concerns about re-charging them, and there are worries that their silent running could be a danger. But at least the council can't be accused of not leading by example on greener transport.